There will be future posts with video and pictures, but I wanted to pass along the results...
150 units of blood were collected...
as many as 450 people could have their lives saved because of THIS blood drive.
For the last few years, the GBR 4WD Club has adopted LifeSouth as the entity to focus its community service efforts on. We have members that are in the medical community, as well as in emergency services, so the blood supply is something that many of our members know about.
LifeSouth has been a gracious benefactor. They work very hard with us and for us to help put on a great event that is fun for members, their families, friends and the community at large.
And they aren't the only ones. I know that if I tried to list all of the companies and individuals that sponsor this event, I would leave out some important donors... so, I will wait until everything is tabulated. But, to give an idea of the level of support, for the 170 or people that attempted to donante blood, we gave away more than 250 items with a retail value over $7,000. Some items were only really of interest to 4wd enthusiats. Other items were gift certificates for local restaurants.
In the last five years, this event has produced enough blood to touch the lives of as many as 1500 people that needed blood or blood products. We have also used it to support Breast Cancer Awareness, the March of Dimes and today, the Wounded Warrior Project. And we have high hopes for the future.
It was a simple thing. Members of the 4x4 community in and around Atlanta, GA got together to do something positive. And there is a lot of that going on. Local 4WD clubs have adopted various charites. Off Camber 4WD hosts an annual run to benefit the March of Dimes. The Georgia Rock Rods have an upcoming run for the Wounded Warrior Project. Many clubs have Toys for Tots rides and events.
Seeing all of these people get together for a good cause makes me proud to be part of the 4WD community. I see and hear about similar events all over the country. Not only do we have fun promoting safe, family-friendly and responsible enjoyment of our wild lands, but we give freely to the community at large.
Unless otherwise noted, all content of this blog is the property of Lane Bailey, ©2012 Lane Bailey.
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